It was the first time RAF aircraft had bombed warships during the Libyan operation.

The MoD also targeted a facility in the dockyard being used to construct fast inflatable boats. used to mine waters near the besieged rebel-held city of Misurata and attack vessels in the area.

"Given the escalating use of naval assets, Nato had no choice but to take decisive action to protect the civilian population of Libya and Nato forces at sea," said Rear-Admiral Russell Harding, deputy commander of the Nato mission in Libya.[Ron: This is a bare faced LIE. These ships were docked and have remained unoperational since the US, UK, France and NATO commenced their air attacks on Libya.].